A Multiblock Technique for Simulating Fire and Smoke Spread in Large Complex Enclosures

Published

June 21, 2003

Author(s)

Kuldeep R. Prasad, G P. Patnaik, Ravinder Nath

Abstract

Several recent developments in computational techniques have been combined todevelop a tool for simulating the reactive flow field inside large complex enclosures.The multiblock technique was adopted to solve the unsteady compressible Navier-Stokes equations insidea large fire compartment. Numerical simulations of a $330$ $kW$ fire in a single uncluttered compartment have been performed.A peak ceiling jet temperature of $430$ $^0C$ was computed. The multiblock approach efficiently grids regions of high heat release with a fine mesh embedded in a coarser mesh covering the larger compartment and at the same time, allows flowfield information to be exchanged with the surrounding air through the doorway.Temperature contours and instantaneous velocity vectors provide a detailed understanding of air entrainment into the fire and the flow of hot gases through the door. Numerical results have been found to compare favorably with experimental data. Computations are also reported for a $1310$ $kW$ fire in a multi-compartment geometry that replicates the ex-USS Shadwell with peak temperatures of $320$ $^0C$. Our results predict a continuously evolving flowfield as unsteady vortical structures are generated in the fire plume and convect through the various compartments via the doors and hatches.

Citation

IAFSS Symposium

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

Fire, Multiblock

Citation

Prasad, K. , Patnaik, G. and Nath, R. (2003), A Multiblock Technique for Simulating Fire and Smoke Spread in Large Complex Enclosures, IAFSS Symposium (Accessed September 23, 2025)